Asthma Attack Blog


Asthma Attack Triggers

Although in asthma the underlying airway inflammation is always there, an asthma attack can be triggered or worsened by a number of factors. There are two types of asthma attack triggers;

Allergens and Irritants

* Common asthma allergens include pollen, animals and house-dust mites.
* Common asthma irritants include cold air, cigarette smoke and chemical fumes.

An allergen is a substance that causes asthma attack symptoms by bringing about an allergic reaction. An irritant is a substance that precipitates an asthma attack by aggravating the airways.

Keeping a diary of the times and circumstances that precipitates your asthma attack or causes your asthma to worsen can help you and your doctor pinpoint exactly what your asthma triggers are. Once you have identified your asthma triggers, you can take steps to deal with them.

Saturday, 30 June 2012

Flameless Candles and Other Tips for Asthma Sufferers

All kinds of everyday things can provoke asthma attacks, and what triggers an attack in some people won't have any effect on someone else. Indoor air pollution is one of the most common causes of an asthma attack, so understanding the possible triggers can make the home a more pleasant, safe and relaxing place.


While we're all aware of outdoor pollution, unless something smells bad in the house we don't necessarily associate breathing difficulties with poor air quality indoors.


Common household elements that create indoor pollution are:


Perfumes Hair Spray Air FreshenersPet DanderSmoke or Fumes from candlesDust Mites


Why Indoor Pollution is Bad for Asthma


Small liquid, or solid, airborne particles are easily breathed into the lungs, and in people with asthma this causes extreme irritation in the delicate lung tissue. This in turn causes a restriction of the airways that leads to coughing or wheezing, a feeling of tightness in the chest and difficulty in breathing. Allergic reactions to common household products can also trigger asthmatic attacks, particularly in children.


Practical Steps to Reduce Indoor Air Pollution


The first step towards creating cleaner, less harmful indoor air is to remove those items that you know are irritants. If you're not sure what's triggering an asthma attack in your home you may need to experiment a little, removing or reducing use of one irritant at a time and watching for improvement in the sufferer.


Candles


Many people are surprised to find they're allergic to the fumes given off by burning candles. It may be the compounds used in the manufacturing of the candle, or it may be perfume, whether it's an added scent or the natural scent particles in the wax. Either way, the answer is to switch to flameless candles so you can still enjoy the ambiance but carry on breathing at the same time. As an added bonus, flameless candles are much safer in the home, especially where there are children or pets.


Perfumes and Air Fresheners


These commonly trigger asthma attacks, with some people reporting that plug-in air fresheners are particularly risky. Try running the air conditioning to freshen the air in the home, or open a window and let in fresh air unless the pollen outside will make matters worse. Avoid wearing perfume or, if you can tolerate a little, try spraying it only on wrists or behind knees so you don't directly inhale the fumes.


Dust Mites


Keep house dust down by using a damp cloth rather than spray polish on sealed surfaces. Use mattress and pillow protectors to keep beds and linen dust and mite-free. Use non-aerosol cleaners for wood or shiny furniture.


Asthma can be debilitating and frightening for children and adults alike. Once triggers are known it's easier to keep attacks to a minimum, and simple solutions such as using flameless candles or non-perfumed cleaning products are a small price to pay for easier breathing. Providing quality reviews, articles and writings on asthma online.

Friday, 29 June 2012

The Main Cause of Asthma

According to the recent estimates, 300 million of people affected of asthma worldwide and more than 22 million in the United States. Although people of all ages suffer from this disease this will usually begin in childhood, currently affecting 6 million children in the United States. Asthma kills about 255,000 people worldwide each year.


Environmental Issue
Allergic reactions and asthma symptoms are often the result of air pollution inside the mold or fumes from cleaning products and paints. Other environmental factors associated with asthma are indoor nitrogen oxides from gas stoves. In fact, people who cook with gas are more likely to have symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath, asthma and hay fever. Sulfur dioxide, ozone Pollution, nitrogen oxides, cold temperatures and high humidity are all shown to trigger asthma in some people.


During periods of high air pollution there are tend to be increased of asthma symptoms and hospitalizations. Smoggy conditions releasing destructive ingredients known as ozone, which causes coughing, shortness of breath and chest pain. The same conditions emit sulfur dioxide, which also leads to asthma attacks by constriction of the airways.


Climate changes have also been known to stimulate asthma attacks. Cold air can cause respiratory congestion, bronchoconstriction (narrowing of the airways), secretions and decreased mucociliary clearance (another type of inefficiency of the airways). In some populations moisture can cause difficulty breathing.


Risk Factors for Children
Asthma is the most common chronic disease among children - especially children who are underweight at birth, are exposed to tobacco smoke and grew up in an environment with low income. Most children first produce symptoms about 5 years, commencing generally frequent episodes of wheezing with respiratory infections. Additional risk factors for children include having allergies, allergic skin condition eczema or relatives with asthma.


Boys that are young are more likely to develop asthma than girls, but this trend was reversed in adulthood. The researchers speculate that this is due to the small size of the airways of a young man from the airways of a young woman, leading to an increased risk of wheezing after viral infection.


Tobacco Smoking
Tobacco smoke has been linked to increased risk of asthma and an increased risk of death from asthma, wheezing and respiratory infections. In addition, children of mothers who smoke and other people exposed to secondhand smoke have a higher risk of asthma. Teen that used to smoke has also been associated with an increased risk of asthma.


Pregnancy
When a mothers smoke during her pregnancy their children have lower lung function. This can cause additional risk of asthma. The study also showed that premature birth is a risk factor for developing asthma. Babies born by Caesarean section have a 20% increase in the prevalence of asthma compared with babies born by vaginal delivery. It is possible that the immune system, alter the exposure of bacteria during cesarean sections are responsible for this difference.


People That Are Stressed
People who are stressed have higher rates of asthma. Part of this may be explained by the increase in asthma-related behaviors such as smoking that are encouraged by stress. However, recent research has suggested that the immune system is altered by stress too.


Read more information about the main cause of asthma on my website to gain more knowledge on how to manage and control it. Get the most effective asthma tips for yourself. Providing quality reviews, articles and writings on asthma online.

Thursday, 28 June 2012

How Shark Liver Oil Supplements Offer Asthma Relief

Those who live with asthma find that their disease may face a difficult daily challenge. On some days, the disease is worse than others.


Marine life holds an array of treatments for a variety of health challenges, including asthma. And for those interested in seeking a more holistic remedy, shark liver oil may very well be right therapy to help future asthma attacks.


But before jumping into this treatment, here's a brief overview about this disease and how this marine oil can help.


For asthmatics, the passageways which send air to and from the lungs can become swollen, irritated and inflamed. Inevitably, this causes the airways, also known as the bronchial tubes, to narrow and this is what causes asthmatics to struggle with their breathing.


Physical symptoms of asthma include:


Coughing Wheezing Trouble sleeping Shortness of breath Tightness in the chest Overall breathing problems


Generally, asthmatics suffer more in the mornings and evenings.


Treatments for asthma generally include medications, inhalers, nebulizers, and bronchodilators.


On the holistic flip side, patients are adding shark liver oil supplements as an adjunct therapy while others are trying it as a total therapy.


Some natural healthcare professionals have discovered that this marine oil has a special active ingredient called alkylglycerols. It is a unique lipid. This ingredient, also known as AKG, reduces asthma symptoms.


But before buying a shark liver oil supplement, it's so important to do research in finding the right soft gel supplement which is eco-friendly, pure and potency guaranteed.


Locating a manufacturer backed by clinical studies is really important, as well. This includes detailed information about its patented purifying process.


Always keep in mind that all supplements are not the same. Remember, a quality product provides the best health benefits.


Shark liver oil helps reduce the reaction to allergic stimuli which can spur asthma attacks. These stimuli can include allergies to different things, such as:


Food Animal dander Chemicals Dust Pollen Medication


A change in weather may also jumpstart an asthma attack.


Shark liver oil encourages macrophages, the white blood cells within tissues, and to get rid of bad stimuli and debris in the lungs and airways.


While working hard to ward off bad stimuli that can trigger allergic reactions, it also prevents inflammation by blocking protein kinase C.


In Dr. Peter T. Pugliese's book, Devour Disease With Shark Liver Oil, he highlights how asthma suffers can find relief with this marine oil. He first points out how asthma is an immune-type disorder which was studied and researched in Sweden.


"When test subjects with asthma took 250 mg of shark liver oil, three times a day investigators reported complete recoveries after six months of treatment," Pugliese wrote. He continued, "Since this is an immune disorder, it responded well to the immunity-boosting alkylglycerols."


Before starting any new supplement regimen, it's highly recommended to first speak with a healthcare professional while discussing the right dosage amount.


Shark liver oil, often called an amazing healer, is a great holistic way to help asthmatics breathe easier.


Author, Dr. Thierry Lerond is the founder of Nutrilys Del Mar, the leading provider of high quality, pure, potent and eco-friendly marine-based supplements. Its select products, including its superior shark liver oil supplements, have been clinically tested in French and Swiss clinics. Providing quality reviews, articles and writings on asthma online.

Wednesday, 27 June 2012

Information About Asthma and How to Treat It

Budesonide and Asthma Treatment


How does conventional Western medicine treat asthma? Well, typically, it focuses on dilating the bronchial airways that are in spasm by using an assortment of medications. The pharmacological arsenal usually includes anti-inflammatory drugs such as certain steroids, mucolytics and bronchodilators. In contrast, homeopathic treatments for asthma include a wide range of natural remedies and substances. Although it is less effective as a single asthma treatment than an inhaled steroid, Cromolyn acts by reducing the activity of certain allergy cells that cause inflamed, constricted bronchial airways.


Why Asthma Attacks Occur


Research has shown there is a very strong relationship between asthma and panic attacks. The two often occur simultaneously, and people with asthma are much more likely to experience panic attacks. In addition to this, while many asthma attacks are brought on by exercise, there is also an emotional component. Furthermore, changes in atmospheric conditions, including the temperature and quality of the air (specifically, its humidity, irritant and allergen content), along with changes in the barometric pressure, may all be associated with asthma attacks.


Medications Used to Treat Asthma


Medications such as hydrocortisone and its relatives can be used to gradually regulate the size of the bronchial airways of patients with asthma. While many of these medications are taken orally as pills, others are mists or powders which are sprayed into the mouth using a device called an inhaler. In certain cases, drugs that block testosterone's effect on the body might be recommended. A wide variety of injectable and oral medications are available.


Budesonide as an Asthma Medication


Budesonide Formoterol is a preparation that combines two medications. Together, they can reduce inflammation and help open up the bronchial airways. Budesonide (which is sold as Entocort) is used to address various conditions, including asthma. Nasal budesonide can reduce the number of white blood cells that can help your body stave off infections.


The symptoms of asthma can be different from one person to the next, but they can also vary in the same person from attack to attack. You might see your asthma symptoms beginning to improve as soon as ten hours after you start using a budesonide spray, but in any event your symptoms should decrease within a few days. The dosage and number of medications needed to manage your asthma will vary with the severity of your symptoms. Providing quality reviews, articles and writings on asthma online.

Tuesday, 26 June 2012

What Is Asthma and How to Find Relief

Over 50 years ago my stay at home mom took my brother, sister, and myself to the grocery store. We lived in a town of 450 people and it hasn't grown since. Back then it was okay for mom to leave us alone in the car and expect us to have behaved while she was inside. Dad was at work which didn't matter because mom wouldn't rat on us for misbehaving because she would take care of the problem on the spot. One day the scene was as described and with me being the oldest and my sister next we were laughing pretty hard at the antics of our little brother who was about two years old. We thought he was putting on a pretty good show. As it turned out he was having convulsions from an asthma attack. It scared the water out of mom when she came out and discovered what we were laughing so hard about. Her fear apparently made an impression on me too since I haven't forgotten it.


Today, there are no known cures for asthma, a chronic lung disease that inflames and narrows the airways that causes recurring outbreaks of wheezing, tightness in the chest, shortness of breath and coughing. Generally the coughing most often occurs during the night or early in the morning because of inflamed swollen and sensitive airways. Swollen or narrow airways may make more mucus that further narrows the breathing airways. They tend to react strongly to certain inhaled substances.


Some symptoms of asthma are mild enough they go away on their own or with minimal treatment. I already described the attacks that are not pretty and can be fatal if not treated. As mentioned asthma has no known cure. The person with the disease can feel fine but they still have it and asthma can flare up at any time. There are treatments that allow people to manage their disease so a more normal, active life and getting a good night's sleep is possible.


The statistics show that asthma can affect people of all ages, but mostly starts during childhood. More than 22 million people in the U.S. are known to have asthma with almost 6 million being children with boys having the disease more than girls.


What Causes Asthma?


No one knows the exact cause of asthma but some researchers link it genetically and environmentally. The Childhood Asthma Reduction Study (CARES) has an inner city program to get rid of cockroaches because their evidence shows allergens from cockroaches are risk factors for asthma. Contrary to the cockroach theory some researchers theorize that in the U.S. the emphasis on hygiene and sanitation shows a decline in asthma in children due to environmental exposures. Researchers continue to look for causes. Some risk factors are allergies but not all who suffer asthma have allergies, eczema or heredity. There are occupational risks with dust or chemicals in the work place. Inside some steel mills and foundries the dust level could be a contributing factor along with birds such as pigeons roosting inside the buildings.


How to Recognize the Signs and Symptoms


There are some common signs and symptoms to watch for:


Coughing - Asthma often is worse at night or early in the morning.Wheezing when you breathe.Chest tightness.Shortness of breath or feeling out of breath unable to get air out of the lungs.


Then there are some people that do not have these symptoms with asthma and some showing these symptoms doesn't mean you have it either. A lung function test and physical exam is the only way to determine for sure if it asthma is present.


Asthma symptoms may be mild enough to be an annoyance to limiting chores to severe forms that can be fatal..


What Causes Asthma Symptoms?


You can lessen asthma symptoms by being aware of things that may trigger it such as:


The known allergens from cockroaches, pollens, dust and animal fur.Anything that irritates the lungs, cleaners, perfumes or sprays, smoke, smog or air pollution, dust or chemicals where you work.Even the supposedly heart healthy aspirin and some non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.Additives in food and drinks like sulfites.Viral upper respiratory infections. Colds and flu.Exercise, working in the yard and trying to get some physical activity can trigger it but is not to be avoided as it is an important part of a healthy lifestyle.


What affects one person may not affect another.


Diagnosing asthma


There is a very long list of things to check that only a doctor can do to properly diagnose asthma. He will look at your medical and family history, a physical exam, and get test results to figure the severity and determine what treatment is necessary. Some asthma attacks only occur during certain times of the year, in certain places or if it's worse at night. He will also check for other conditions that make managing asthma more difficult.


The goal of an asthma treatment and action plan is to control the disease to prevent coughing and other symptoms reducing the need for medicines and help maintain good lung function. The action plan provides guidance on medicines, avoiding triggers and tracking the asthma.


An asthma action plan gives guidance on taking your medicines properly, avoiding asthma triggers (except physical activity), tracking your level of asthma control, responding to worsening asthma, and seeking emergency care when needed.


Medicines


As in the diagnosis of asthma there is a long list of medicines to try from pills to inhalers, long-term (inhaled corticosteroids) to quick relief medicines that are designed to prevent symptoms or reduce inflammation in the airways. The doctor will also discuss benefits as well as risks or side effects of certain medications. Thrush is a mouth infection and common side effect from inhaled corticosteroids. Quick relief inhalers do not reduce inflammation.


Getting the asthma under control is the main concern when beginning treatments and the doctor will want regular visits every 2 to 6 weeks at first until controlled changing the visit to once a month or semi-annual. The goal is to reduce medication too requiring the person with asthma to take an active role in helping control the disease by following the action plan set by the doctor while watching for signs that it may be worsening.


There are many aromatherapy and essential oils that may be helpful in breathing and can be found on the link on the website. Among several is Cajeput Essential Oil and it's benefits include: Arthritis, asthma, bronchitis, catarrh, colds, coughs, cystitis, flu, insect bites, muscular aches and pains, oily skin, sinusitis, sore throat, urinary infection, viral infections. Cajeput can be used similar to eucalyptus during the cold season. Add it to a diffuser to disinfect the air, and clear congestion. Providing quality reviews, articles and writings on asthma online.

Monday, 25 June 2012

Asthma Treatments That Won't Leave You Breathless

What Is Asthma?


Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the lungs that impedes breathing. It affects more than seventeen million people in the United States. Overall, the figures are impressive. Statistics show that over sixty percent of all those who suffer from disease does not have it under control.


If you have asthma, it is in your best interest to find out about your options. One of the most important aspects of managing asthma is getting proper treatment regularly. If you have or think you may have asthma, finding a good local doctor can get you on the path to a healthy life.


Find Out What Is Causing Your Pain?


When you find your asthma triggers, you can breathe easier. Asthma is both atopic and a non-atopic condition. This means that it is triggered by both internal (atopic) such as an infection and external (non-atopic) factors like pollen or smoke. Triggers that can set off asthma attacks include outdoor allergens such as pollen, indoor allergens (dust mites), drugs, stress, excessive exercise, and smoke.


Finding out the cause for your attacks is necessary since it shows how the treatment will go. If you are diagnosed with the disease, a doctor can usually determine the cause after a medical history and physical examination.


Your Doctor Is The Best Source For Information


The right asthma doctor can help you to manage your symptoms. If you want to get valuable information about your asthma, begin by discussing the issue with your physician. Since your doctor is in the business of treating your symptoms, chances are good that questions will be welcomed.


When triggers are identified, doctors have a far better likelihood of finding adequate tools to help you control your asthma. By getting informed about what you are dealing with, you can regain control over your life.


Modern asthma treatments include a management plan to avoid triggers, medications to treat and prevent symptoms, and lifestyles changes to avert breathing issues. Medical treatments and natural remedies are everywhere and finding the right one means taking the time to find out the safety and history of each treatment. Online resources can be helpful, as can your regular doctor.


Asthma medications are prescribed according to the severity of the attacks. Inhalers filled with selective and powerful asthma medications are a popular form of treatment. They're extremely effective and safe to use for the long-term.


Asthma self-monitoring is invaluable for a number of reasons. When you know what triggers an attack, you can be far more effective in alleviating your own symptoms. Being able to anticipate an attack also helps you mentally prepare for the worst moments and ultimately reduce the element of panic entirely.


Ultimately, your long-term goal will be to have a normal life with the least amount of asthma episodes. Your management plan or asthma action plan should include a detailed description of how you can control your asthma symptoms. By keeping yourself fully informed about the details of your own condition, you retain a greater level of control over your life and have far more effective tools for asthma management.


Lynn Versailles is a registered nurse and a life-long sufferer of asthma. She has personally been affected with this chronic respiratory problem and wishes to help others. Through years of research and life experiences, she shares her knowledge on how to properly manage asthma on safetreatmentsforasthma.com. To learn more, download The Ultimate Asthma Management Guide. It is a free online guide on medical treatments and natural remedies to properly manage this illness. Providing quality reviews, articles and writings on asthma online.

Sunday, 24 June 2012

Top-Rated Allergy Air Purifiers, Five Features That Make Them Work

Most physicians will confirm that an allergy air purifier is an essential part of an effective management plan for those whose condition is triggered by airborne allergens. But in order to be effective it should have the following 5 features.


Filter For Particles - Many of the irritants that trigger airborne particles are found in the air. Seasonal pollens, dust, dust mites, mold and mildew spores, and pet dander can trigger symptoms and even a flare up for those who have allergies.


HEPA or high efficiency particle arresting filters can successfully eliminate airborne particulates that are as small as .3 microns in size. This includes all of the triggers listed above. However, many of these solids can be eliminated by filters with bigger openings and that are far less expensive.


Pre-filters are made of a cotton ball sort of material and can trap the bigger particles in the air that can be seen with the naked eye. Having these filters as part of the filtration system can prolong the life of the HEPA which will save you time and money down the road.


Filter For Gases - Gaseous pollutants can also cause problems. Things like smoke, fumes from household personal and cleaning products, chemicals that off-gas from carpet, pressed wood furniture, and paint can all cause flare ups.


Carbon cloth in a purifier is invaluable. Originally designed by the British Military as a response to chemical warfare, this type of filter offers dual benefits. Because it is made of carbon it can effectively eliminate gases, odors, and chemicals. And because it is woven like cloth, it gives additional protection against particles.


Canister of Filters - The more filters present in a unit, the more filtration you receive. This seems like a no-brainer, but there are cleaners with no filter or just one filter. It seems reasonable to assume that a purifier with a canister of filters will last longer and require less maintenance than one with one filter or no filter.


Produces Oxygen Only - There are many types of technology on the market that claim to provide clean air. Ozone and ionization are 2 technologies that remain controversial. What everyone agrees about is that oxygen as a by-product is the safest way to go. In fact, HEPA technology is the type used by hospitals to insure clean air.


24 Hour Filtration Capability - One of the best ways to manage allergies is to avoid the trigger. So if your cleaner can filter the air continually, it can drastically reduce the amount of allergens in the air. Breathing air that has fewer triggers means you stand a better chance of reducing the number and severity of flare ups. And that's the whole purpose of an effective air purifier.


Manage your allergies by drastically reducing your exposure to the particles and gases that cause problems. Providing quality reviews, articles and writings on asthma online.

Saturday, 23 June 2012

Indoor Asthma Irritants: 5 Indoor Pollutants To Eliminate

Managing asthma effectively means reducing the triggers that cause flare ups. You can raise air quality and your quality of life by reducing these top 5 irritants in your indoor air.


Dust Mites - The presence of these little bugs can lead to the onset of asthma as well as exacerbate an existing condition. No one escapes these little bugs in their home regardless of how good a housekeeper you are.


They thrive in warm, moist, and dark places which makes the bedroom ideal, and more specifically every bed in your home, a perfect target.


Dust - This collection of particles is distinct to each home but generally includes dirt, minute pieces of paper from mail, magazines and other paper products, outdoor particles that get blown in such as pollen and mold and mildew spores, pet dander, and on it goes.


Airborne Chemicals - Unfortunately, these are becoming more prevalent in the products we use for everyday living. Scents from cleaning and personal products, formaldehyde used in building materials, chemicals that off gas from pressed wood furniture, and those used to fire-proof draperies and clothing can really pollute indoor air.


Being vigilant about the products you select to bring into your home can improve your air quality. But often it's difficult to figure out which fumes or combinations are causing the problem.


Smoke - The banning of smoking in public places has resulted in major improvement of air quality in restaurants. But if you live with a smoker who can't stop smoking, or your apartment situation makes you vulnerable to second-hand smoke, you're in a tough spot.


The chemicals, smoke and particles that burning of any kind naturally produce can really cause havoc with asthma. Wood burning stoves and fireplaces can also prove to be irritants and can often push irritant levels to the point of a flare up.


Spores - A natural part of nature, mold and mildew spores as well as seasonal pollens are constantly hitching a ride into your home as doors open and clothes, on packages, in hair, and on pets.


Regardless of how many precautions you take, there is no way to stop some outside air, and all that it contains, from coming indoors.


In fact, the only way to keep all of these airborne triggers continually under control is to filter the air continually with an air purifier that contains filters capable of eliminating both gaseous and particulate irritants.


24 hour filtration is an effective yet non-invasive way to maintain clean air 24 hours every day. And just knowing that the air in your home is not going to sabotage your health provides a physical and emotional haven that you can look forward to enjoying. Providing quality reviews, articles and writings on asthma online.

Friday, 22 June 2012

Yoga in Your Asthma Action Plan

An asthma action plan is often a written program that lets you know how to reply to bronchial asthma signs. The aim would be to avoid flare-ups with good every day control and recognizing signs and symptoms of the flare-up earlier. Additionally it is essential to accept proper medication on the proper time. You do not need to discontinue for the medication you've been using but should you choose some all-natural stuff you can enhance your bronchial asthma and you might not need to take those medications.


Yoga is probably the most beneficial healing methods theoretically as well as in practice and it needs to be included in your Asthma Action Plan. It generally includes several unique breathing routines with meditation. Yoga has been practiced more than 5000 years. What exactly is special about these yoga exercises is they could be used by anybody, no matter creed, age, color or religion. Yoga promotes enhanced breathing. The breathing exercise in yoga shows you proper breathing together with your complete inhaling and exhaling mechanism. Your energy is increased through the improved breathing.


The main element to deep breathing exercises is by using the abdomen, not mainly your chest. Breathe in a deep breath using your nose (to the count to 4) and after that push the stomach out. Doing that in effect pulls the diaphragm all the way down. Your diaphragm is really a powerful body muscle, which has the effect of pulling down the lung area, which allows air traveling deep-down to the lung area. Whenever you breathe out using your mouth (to the count of four again), you have to do the reverse by sucking inside your abdomen, with your abdominal. The effects of puling your abdomen in forces your diaphragm to move up and efficiently forces the strongly exhale the lung area.


Within the ancient training of yoga there's a method of inhaling and exhaling exercises which is called pranayama. The term pranayama comes from the word 'prana', which means vital oxygen. In wider terms the word prana suggests for the life which is obvious in all of the vital activities of the living being. Prana is the life force that stays in action up until the time a living being is alive.


The goal of breathing exercises would be to relax the chest area muscles which are overworked and to teach a person to leave the routine of utilizing the chest area muscles for breathing and begin utilizing the stomach muscles and also the diaphragm. For understanding the appropriate utilization of diaphragm and lower chest the asthma sufferer should begin focusing on breathing out instead of breathing in. If you wish to increase your asthma and breathing use this inhaling and exhaling exercise. Include it within your Asthma Action Plan and practice it on regular base. Providing quality reviews, articles and writings on asthma online.

Thursday, 21 June 2012

How to Plan for Your Next Asthma Check-Up

Asthmatics need to visit the doctor regularly for check-ups. Because there is no cure for this chronic inflammatory disorder, sufferers need to put extra effort in preventing it by seeking regular medical help. The treatment process requires you to become proactive and disciplined, and here are some ways in which you can effectively plan your next visit.


Prepare questions.


If this is your first time to consult the doctor regarding asthma, what you need to do is ask all the questions you have in mind. The best way to deal with this is to have a notebook that records all your experiences and things that you want to know more about. For instance, if you notice that you or your loved one reacts strangely to household allergens like pets, pests, and dust; notice frequent bacterial or viral infections; or experience bad reactions to certain foods - you must list them all down and tell the doctor each and every detail you can remember.


Asking questions will not only enlighten you, but will also provide your doctor information on how to treat you. Because not all asthma conditions are the same, your doctor will need to find out what kind of control will work best. Once your doctor has given you all the necessary instructions, you must also ask details on why you need to do them - this will allow you to be more aware of the condition.


Make a list of your medications.


The doctor deals with many patients with different conditions, so help out by providing a list of medications that you're taking. This will make the consultation go faster, and your doctor will immediately know which meds will work best on you. You will be given an asthma management plan upon consultation, and you will be constantly updating this as you move forward.


Ask a friend/family member to go to the doctor with you.


Having an extra pair of ears will allow you to not overlook anything that the doctor tells you. Ask someone to do the visit with you, and also give them the task of listening to the doctor's instructions. Having someone go through all of this will allow you to be optimistic about your condition. This is something that is overlooked by many, but moral support serves a great tool in making asthma sufferers (especially kids) feel better. There are several asthma support groups available for adults, but having simple, casual will already help a lot.


Have the doctor demonstrate how to take your medication.


You will most likely be given inhalers for controlling your asthma, and you need to learn how to use them. Especially for kids, there is a need to know how to effectively use an inhaler - you need to make sure that the medicine reaches the airways properly.


Following these pieces of advice will allow you to manage asthma better. By cooperating with your doctor, you will be able to control and easily make changes to improve asthma and allow you to still be able to perform regular activities.


Find out more at oneinhaler.co.nz - You can discover lots of info about the factors and forms of Asthma, and also the normal warning signs and their own unique treatment solution. Providing quality reviews, articles and writings on asthma online.

Wednesday, 20 June 2012

Easy Tips For Effective Asthma Monitoring

There are several easy to use strategies that can increase the effectiveness of any asthma treatment plan. Although your symptoms may be well managed by medications, it is important to remember that the more pro-active you are in managing your asthma, the more you will find that your symptoms are under control. Following these guidelines will give you the tools you need to live a healthier and more active life.


Developing an asthma action plan is one of the most important things you can do to live a happy healthy life even though you have asthma. An action plan should include all your important medical information that would be needed in case of a severe attack requiring emergency intervention. It should include a list of asthma triggers, the name a dosage of daily medications and the name and dosage of rescue medication, as well as emergency telephone numbers. Your plan will include a description of your asthma zones and the action to be taken for each zone. Gathering this information together and making sure it is readily available is much easier if you make it a part of a daily asthma diary.


An asthma diary is used to record all of your daily observations, possible triggers, PEF readings and a description of your asthma zones. Total honesty in recording your symptoms, no matter how small, is very important.


There are many sample asthma diary forms available online or you can design a chart that works for you. These forms can be organized neatly in an attractive folder system or in a loose leaf binder. Include a copy of your action plan at the beginning of your diary. The most important thing is to make sure to use this diary every day to get a more complete picture of how effective your treatment plan really is for your needs. Try to choose a format that is easily carried, so that you can take your diary with you. Another option is to have a portable diary and then transfer any information to your main one at the end of the day.


A record of peak expiratory flow, or PEF, readings in a key component your asthma diary. Measure your PEFs before you take any asthma medication. Compare your reading with your asthma zones. When you find that your reading is less than 80% of your recorded best reading, be prepared to take the appropriate action in your action plan.


Once you have been keeping your asthma diary for a while, it is important to evaluate the information you have gathered. Ask yourself about any changes in symptoms or increase in attacks and try to pinpoint the reasons.


Always take your asthma diary to your doctor visits and discuss any changes or problems that you have observed. Your doctor can review your medications and make necessary adjustment with the help of the valuable information you have gathered.


Being an active part of your asthma treatment is the best way to make sure that your asthma is well controlled, leaving you with as many symptom free days as possible. Trying some of the sensible tips in the article above is a good way to get started today. Providing quality reviews, articles and writings on asthma online.